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Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a life-threatening condition that usually develops in people whose lungs have been damaged by injury or disease. It often leads to respiratory failure, in which the life-sustaining exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs is disrupted.
In acute respiratory distress syndrome, the air sacs of the lung tissue become filled with fluid and cannot exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. It can be caused by pneumonia; severe bacterial infections in other parts of the body; inhaling vomit, water, or irritants; drug overdose; or severe injury.
In most people, death occurs if acute respiratory distress is not treated. Even with treatment, the survival rate is only 50%.
Symptoms
The first symptoms are usually an increase in those of the underlying condition. As acute respiratory distress syndrome develops, rapid, shallow, and labored breathing are the main symptoms. As it gets worse, the skin may take on a bluish tinge (called cyanosis) because the tissues are not getting enough oxygen.
Treatment
See your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms. He or she will measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood and do a chest x-ray. People with acute respiratory distress syndrome are usually admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital.
Antibiotics, and corticosteroids given intravenously, may be started. If it gets very difficult to breathe, a mechanical ventilator may be used to help you breathe.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Plantar warts: Options for treating this common foot condition

Nutritional yeast: Does this savory, vegan seasoning pack a nutritional punch?

Salmonella is sneaky: Watch out

Two jobs may lower the odds of dying from Alzheimer's disease — but why?

Mastitis: What to do when your breasts are painfully inflamed

How — and why — to fit more fiber and fermented food into your meals

UTI in older women: Why postmenopausal women are susceptible to urinary tract infection, and what to do about it

Can a routine vaccine prevent dementia?

Some adults may need a measles booster shot. Who should get one and why?

Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?
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